Muhammad Ilyas, News Desk:Â
Catastrophic flash floods unleashed by relentless monsoon rains have claimed at least 222 lives in northern Pakistan, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) bearing the brunt of the destruction, according to official figures from provincial authorities and disaster management bodies.
Since late June, torrential downpours have battered KP, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and other northern regions, triggering landslides, sweeping away homes, and displacing thousands, especially in vulnerable and densely populated areas with inadequate drainage systems.
Death Toll by Region
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 210 deaths, including 91 fatalities in Buner district alone
- Gilgit-Baltistan: 12 fatalities, including flood destruction in Daen village
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir: 9 deaths, alongside extensive damage to infrastructure
In KP, the victims include 184 men, 14 women, and 12 children. Districts such as Bajaur, Battagram, Shangla, and Mansehra each recorded over 10 fatalities.
Infrastructure & Rescue Efforts
The disaster has also damaged or destroyed dozens of structures. In KP alone:
- 68 homes, three schools, and 16 other buildings have been completely destroyed
- 49 homes were lost in Swat district alone
- 61 houses were partially damaged, and 7 completely demolished
In AJK, bridges, homes, and water mills have been swept away, while more than 700 stranded tourists were evacuated from Ratti Gali. GB has reported flooded roads leaving travellers stranded, and Skardu is facing prolonged power outages after floodwaters entered its main power station.
Tragic Helicopter Crash
In a separate incident, a KP government rescue helicopter crashed during operations, killing all five crew members on board.
Government Response & Relief Funds
KP Chief Minister has directed all departments to remain on high alert and intensify rescue operations. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rs500 million in relief funds has been allocated to the worst-hit districts:
- Rs150 million for Buner
- Rs100 million each for Bajaur, Battagram, and Mansehra
- Rs50 million for Swat
Heavy rains are forecast to continue intermittently until August 21, heightening fears of further flooding and landslides in already devastated regions.
